Pregnancy Early Symptoms

Are you curious as to whether you’re pregnant or not? Are you experiencing early symptoms of pregnancy but you’re not entirely sure?

The best way to confirm your suspicions are by the following methods:  

1) Take a home pregnancy test 

2) Followed by a medical visit – your doctor will do a urine and blood test for confirmation of a viable pregnancy

Do all women get early symptoms of pregnancy?

No, not all women will experience early pregnancy symptoms. Some may, while others may not; there is no hard and fast rule. 

When do early pregnancy symptoms start? 

Some women may start to feel changes in their health and/or body within the first few days upto 1 month following conception. While others only start noticing changes after a missed period. And some experience none at all. 

Keep in mind that a few days after conception, certain symptoms (like tender and/or swollen breasts) may be easier to detect than others (ie. frequent urination). 

However, it is not to be generalized. It really does differ from woman to woman. 

What does early pregnancy feel like?

Early pregnancy will feel different from one woman to the next. As stated above, some women may start to feel early symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, tender/swollen breasts, spotting etc. within 1-2 weeks after conception. And others may not experience any of these.

If you feel like you’re more tired than usual, suddenly have an aversion to your favorite foods, have abdominal cramps/twinges/bloating, noticed some spotting but haven’t gotten your period – speak with your doctor and take a test to rule out the possibility of pregnancy. 

Early signs of pregnancy before a missed period

A missed period is usually one of the earliest pregnancy symptoms observed by atleast 29% of women surveyed. 

While 25% reported nausea and 17% reported changes in breast as their earliest symptoms respectively. And only 3% of women report implantation bleeding (spotting and cramping) as their first symptom/sign of pregnancy.

Pregnancy symptoms: 10 early signs that you may be pregnant

Some of the earliest classic pregnancy signs and symptoms include the following: 

1. Implantation Bleeding (Spotting and/or Cramping)
2. Nausea
3. Tenderness and/or Swollen Breast
4. Missed Period
5. Fatigue
6. Frequent Urination
7. Mood Swings
8. Temperature Changes
9. Faster Heart Beat/Increased Blood Pressure
10. Weight Gain

1. Implantation Bleeding (Spotting & Cramping)

Implantation bleeding is reported by approximately ⅓ of women as one of the earliest signs of pregnancy. 

What it means: 

Implantation bleeding does not necessarily indicate pregnancy. Therefore women should still follow up with a pregnancy test and blood/urine work.

However, because ⅓ of women report spotting and/or cramping as one of the earliest signs it’s important to discuss it. 

Implantation bleeding occurs generally 7-10 days after ovulation. (That’s why many women assume it is just a sign of an early period). It is of short duration (few hours – couple days), pink or rust colored, and characterized by an inconsistent flow (spotting).

Usually implantation bleeding should not be a cause for concern for either the mother or child.

Course of action: 

If you have been sexually active within the last few weeks and experience what has been described above, it may be implantation bleeding. It is suggested to wait 3 – 7 days following the spotting to ensure an accurate pregnancy result.  

And if the bleeding continues past a couple days, you notice a change in color/flow/consistency and it doesn’t resemble signs of a regular period – get yourself checked out immediately. Do not hesitate to talk and/or see someone in regard to what you are experiencing. 

Always see a doctor if you suspect anything out of the ordinary terms of your health.

Remember that it could also be a sign of an impending period as well. This is discussed further below. 

2. Nausea

Nausea (and vomiting) is reported in the 1st trimester by 70-80% of pregnant women. 

What it means:

Normally nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of early pregnancy. However it’s important to note that they are more commonly seen in caucasians in comparison to BIPOC individuals. 

The cause of nausea and vomiting is unknown and generally is self limited and mild in severity.

And oftentimes, nausea and vomiting is referred to as morning sickness though the sickness can last all day.

Course of action: 

Experiencing mild nausea during the first 3 months of your pregnancy is generally considered common and not of concern. Figuring out which foods you can consume during that time can be tricky but not impossible. 

Cause of concern occurs only if a woman is unable to eat and/or vomiting constantly during the first trimester. Therefore it’s important for all women who are vomiting to rehydrate with electrolytes as well during this time. 

Now if a woman is experiencing severe nausea and vomiting, called hyperemesis gravidarum, the course of action changes dramatically. In fact, it is the most common reason for hospitalization during the first trimester. And the 2nd most common during the entire length of pregnancy. 

Hyperemesis gravidarum is described by some as more than 3 episodes of vomiting per day with ketonuria and a 3 kg weight loss (or loss of 5% of body weight).

This condition needs to be treated as soon as possible otherwise the risk of morbidity to both mother and child increases exponentially. See your doctor immediately and/or go to the hospital as advised.

3. Breast Tenderness

Noticing changes in the breasts is a common early symptom felt by some women. And these changes are a result of excessive production of both estrogen and progesterone early on in the pregnancy.

What it means: 

Breast tenderness, fullness, heaviness, soreness, dull (more common) or sharp (less common) pain are seen early on because your body is preparing itself to produce breast milk once you deliver. Nipple pain may be experienced by some women and darkening of the areola as well.

Most of the time these changes are normal and benign and should not cause panic. 

Course of action: 

Generally there are few options available to those experiencing swollen and/or tender breasts: 

1. If you have a partner, share what you are dealing with and how your breasts are sensitive to touch.
2. Apply cold compresses a couple times a day for a few minutes each time.
3. Change your bra – get a comfy one, one without a wire, or see if you can go without wearing one altogether.
4. Wear loose clothing. 
5. Ask about pain relievers if you can not handle the pain. 
6. Speak with your doctor right away if pain is excruciating, unmanageable or if you’re unsure.

Note a new lump or a growing lump should be inspected by a specialist immediately. Make an appointment with your doctor right away.

4. Missed Period 

A missed period is one of the first warning signs that a pregnancy may be possible.

What it means:

The first day of a regularly scheduled period is an important date. From this date the doctor will calculate your due date. 

For anyone with a regular cycle, your first missed period may seem troubling. Try to remain calm and rule out any other causes as well. Could it be due to stress, excessive exercise, travel, sickness, new medications or weight loss/gain. 

Speak with a healthcare provider for help. 

Course of action: 

Once you realize that you have missed your period it’s important to:

1. Determine when you were last sexually active (even with contraception, pregnancy can still occur though chances are less)
2. Take a pregnancy test
3. Schedule an appointment to see your doctor

5. Fatigue

Fatigue occurs in response to physiological and the psychological changes that are rapidly taking place during the 1st trimester of pregnancy. 

What it means: 

Fatigue early on in pregnancy is thought to be a result of your body preparing itself for what is yet to come. Hormones play a big role during this time, especially progesterone which is telling your brain and body that you need to slow down. Fatigue generally dissipates into the 2nd trimester and returns mostly in the 3rd. 

During this time some women will generally feel like resting and sleeping more which is normal. 

Course of action:

Listen to your body during this time. If you feel like you do not have energy and you need to rest, then rest. Adjust your sleeping habits as needed at night to allow for more resting periods. Try to limit/avoid caffeinated drinks during this time. Rely on water instead. Try to get natural sunlight during the morning to match the body’s natural circadian rhythm. 

Make sure to get blood work done at the earliest as well. It can help rule out other causes of fatigue such as anemia, hypothyroidism, stress etc.  

6. Increased Urination 

Making more trips to the bathroom to pee is normal in early pregnancy. 

What it means: 

Increased urination early in the 1st trimester is a result of progesterone and human chorionic gonadotropin (hcg). As well as from increased pressure on the bladder from an enlarging uterus. And finally from an increase in blood supply to the uterus, resulting in more work on the kidneys.

Experiencing just an increase in urination is normal during the 1st trimester.

Course of action: 

In order to ease the flow the following methods can help:

1. Kegel exercises to help strengthen the pelvic floor
2. Staying hydrated with water but not drinking too close to bedtime (to avoid frequent trips to the bathroom at night)
3. Leaning forward while urinating

Increased urination is not a cause of concern when not accompanied by any other symptoms. If however increased urination is accompanied with pain/burning sensation/fever/chills/blood then please see a healthcare provider as soon as possible.

7. Mood Swings 

This term can have negative connotations. As such a more appropriate term could be mood imbalance or disturbances in mood. Experiencing this type of change in mood is common not only in early pregnancy but during and after your pregnancy as well. 

What it means: 

Mood disturbances early in pregnancy occur due to the sudden surge of estrogen and progesterone.

Estrogen can make one feel irritable, anxious, inability to sleep and depressed. While progesterone can make one feel tired, nauseous, and dizzy. 

The sudden production of both these hormones is one reason why it is common to experience a change in mood early in pregnancy. And normally it is not any reason to worry.

Course of action: 

If you’re currently being treated medically for anxiety, depression and/or any other mood related disorder, speak with your doctor immediately to determine the best course of action.

In some cases you may be able to continue on the same medication(s) or it may be best to discontinue it and start on another one. Your doctor will determine what is best in your case. 

For those not currently living with a mood disorder it is still best to confirm with your primary care physician that what you are experiencing is normal. In most cases, the sudden change in mood will be a direct result of the surge in estrogen and progesterone. 

However, if your symptoms are causing a disruption in everyday life and you feel as if you cannot continue functioning, talk with your doctor. Seek help and ask for advice on how best to manage going forward. 

8. Temperature Changes

An increase in body temperature is very common during the early stages of pregnancy. 

What it means:

A higher body temperature in pregnancy is due to an increase in basal metabolic rate (BMR), regardless of whether a woman is exercising or not. 

And the reason for a higher BMR is because of the higher blood volume in a pregnant body to meet the demands of a growing baby.

This increase in body temperature is generally subtle in most women and decreases after the 1st trimester. It will rise again with exercise or when in a hot environment.

Note if you do not notice any difference in body temperature there is no need to panic. Many women do not notice the difference as it can be very subtle.

Course of action:

Staying hydrated and drinking fluids is essential for a pregnant woman especially while exercising and when in a warmer climate. Avoiding saunas, hot tubs, and warm baths is also important during this time.

It’s important for a woman to sense the difference between a slight increase in her body temperature vs a fever.  

Even for a mild fever please see a healthcare professional. Acetaminophen may work just fine in this case but it is still important for you to see a doctor.

9. Faster Heart Rate/Increased Blood Pressure

Signs such as a faster heart beat or an increase in blood pressure start to increase early in pregnancy but not by much. 

What it means: 

Your initial instinct may be to be concerned that your heart rate and blood pressure have suddenly increased early in pregnancy. 

But it is actually a natural phenomenon that occurs due to increased demands by the growing fetus. 

Blood supply increases to meet those demands, followed by a natural increase in heart beat and blood pressure. 

The increase should be small and most likely not felt by the expectant mother. This increase is generally noticed once examined by a doctor. 

The normal average heart rate at 10 weeks is ~80 and it can increase by 7-8 beats/minute to ~87 by 40 weeks.

Blood pressure changes are also normal and are usually not cause for concern but rather expectant. It increases slightly in the 1st trimester, falls during the 2nd and returns almost to prepregnancy levels in the 3rd trimester. 

Course of action:

Outside of pregnancy, heart changes can signal impending heart problems and should be further examined immediately. However during pregnancy it’s considered rare and therefore is generally harmless. 

It’s important to express how you are feeling (ie. faster heart rate or noticeable increase in BP) to your doctor regardless. Even if this may be normal during pregnancy, make sure your doctor is aware of what you are experiencing so that he/she can rule out any abnormalities (even if it’s rare).

Make sure to see a healthcare provider for more information.

10. Weight Gain

This may seem obvious but oftentimes it’s not, especially within the 1st trimester. 

What is means: 

Normal weight gain within the 1st trimester may depend upon the individual’s current weight. If someone is currently at a healthy or normal weight then they can expect to only gain between 1-4.5 pounds in the beginning months. 

It is advised that individuals with a higher BMI (overweight and above) gain LESS weight during the length of their pregnancy compared to those at a normal or low BMI.

Course of action:

As long as the weight gain is within the recommended amount, the mother and child’s health will not be in harm. Excessive weight gain or being underweight is more problematic and cause for concern. 

See your doctor to see what the appropriate amount of weight gain should be for you specifically.

Some less common pregnancy signs and symptoms

There are some less common pregnancy signs and symptoms that women report as well. However not alot of research has been done to explore beyond this area or what it may imply. 

Here’s a quick list of less common signs and symptoms in early pregnancy:

• Varicose veins
• Leg cramp
• Pruritus (itching all over the body)
• Vulvar itching
• Vaginal bleeding

Despite varicose veins being the least common among the 5 listed, it is the one that causes the least worry among the women tested.

Bloating, constipation, nasal congestion and pelvic girdle pain have also been reported by some, but less commonly.

Note that alot of these signs and symptoms become common in the 2nd trimester.

Early Symptoms vs. PMS: What’s the difference?

How do you know whether what you’re experiencing is just a normal period vs. early symptoms of pregnancy? 

It can actually be quite tricky because early symptoms of pregnancy can be strikingly similar to premenstrual symptoms (PMS).

But there are a few differences between the two.

This checklist is a rough guide women can use early on to distinguish between early pregnancy and PMS.

Women who experience any of the above should note that the first 4 signs/symptoms are not generally seen in PMS. They are thought to be signs and symptoms of pregnancy. 

The best way to know however is to take a home pregnancy test.

Next steps 

Symptoms and signs that were common during the 1st trimester start to decrease and/or disappear during the 2nd trimester. 

Vomiting and nausea may become less severe/dominant during this period. Any type of vaginal bleeding at this point is not considered normal and should be promptly investigated. While symptoms such as fatigue and mood swings will depend on the woman.

When should I take a home pregnancy test?

This will differ from women to women but generally a positive pregnancy result can be seen 12-15 days after ovulation. 

But for the most reliable results, take a home pregnancy test 7-14 days AFTER a missed period. 

That being said, there are several tests now that claim to detect a pregnancy even before a missed period or on the day of missed period.

For the most accurate result and for confirmation follow up with your primary care physician. These can be done around the same time period as your home pregnancy test.  

Note home pregnancy tests measure a hormone that is only present during pregnancy called human chorionic gonadotropin (hcg). 

What if my pregnancy test is negative?

Even if a home pregnancy test is negative, you can still be pregnant after a missed period. And there are a number of different reasons for that. 

For one, you may have tested too early hence the negative (and incorrect) result. In this instance it’s best to wait a few more days and then retake the test. 

The test kit that you used may not be the most sensitive. Try a different one next time. 

Every woman is different and cycles can vary greatly. If you suspect you’re pregnant but keep getting a negative result (in the absence of a period) go see a doctor.

If you suspect that something is really wrong regardless of a negative result, seek medical attention immediately to rule out any complication or undiagnosed medical condition.

Note in some instances, women may experience early pregnancy symptoms but have a negative test result despite using the right test at the right time. It’s best to then rule out premenstrual syndrome as it commonly mimics early pregnancy symptoms as well.

Could I have the symptoms of early pregnancy and still not be pregnant?

On the other hand, just as a negative test does not necessarily mean you’re NOT pregnant, having symptoms of early pregnancy does not necessarily mean you ARE pregnant. 

Meaning, it is definitely possible to have symptoms of early pregnancy but not be pregnant.

This phenomenon known as false pregnancy (medical term is pseudocyesis) occurs rarely in women and even in men (much more rare). 

The exact origin of false pregnancy is not known. Though it has been hypothesized that it may be due to psychological factors that produce this rare sensation within a person’s body.

Miscarriages, infertility, desire to be in a long term relationship and early/late menopause can be reasons behind the psychological distress causing actual signs and then symptoms of early pregnancy.

For these women who desire to be pregnant so badly, their brain sends signals that cause the release of estrogen and progesterone leading to symptoms of early pregnancy. 

False pregnancy can be very damaging to the person experiencing it. It can last for several weeks, months and sometimes even years. Any and all women experiencing it should be offered support and counselling immediately.

Tests to rule out a false pregnancy will be done by a healthcare professional and are the same ones conducted for a normal pregnancy. 

Note that certain medical conditions should be ruled out with additional testing as they may mimic symptoms of early pregnancy as well. 

When should I call my doctor about a new pregnancy?

As soon as you suspect that you may be pregnant, book an appointment with your primary care physician and/or OBGYN. 

Even if you’ve confirmed with a home pregnancy test your second step should be to see a doctor at the earliest. 

An actual date for your first prenatal appointment may vary from clinic to clinic. However, making and attending the appointment is what really matters.

Even if you’ve discovered late into your pregnancy that you are pregnant, see a doctor immediately to start receiving prenatal care at once. 

Making an appointment to see a doctor is an important first step in your prenatal and postnatal journey. During the pregnancy, prenatal care will include education on both the pregnancy and childbirth. As well as providing counselling and support.

Attending all visits with a healthcare provider are important for both the health of the mother and baby. And is the perfect time to ask any and all questions you may have about your pregnancy.